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MOHALI: Private lender ICICI Bank today said it will double its branch network in Punjab as part of expansion plans and disburse loans worth Rs 20,000 crore in the state.

"Punjab is central to our business strategy and we are an active partner in the state's growth," said Chanda Kochhar, MD, ICICI Bank, while addressing Progressive Punjab Investors Summit here today.

She said ICICI Bank is planning to significantly expand its operations in Punjab and we are committed to more than doubling our branch network in the state in next two years by adding more branches.

Currently, ICICI Bank has a network of 220 branches covering 22 districts in the state.

Kochhar further said that the bank has plans to disburse loans worth Rs 20,000 crore in Punjab in next three years as part of its efforts to deepen its presence.

She further announced that the Canadian government has given permission to the bank to open accounts of students who aspire to study in Canada.

Before travelling to Canada, students need to have accounts with deposit of 10,000 canadian dollars, she added.

"To help students who go to Canada from here, we sought approval from the Canadian government for opening these accounts.

"I am delighted to announce that the Canadian government has approved our request and we are now the only Indian bank which has been authorised by the High Commission of Canada to offer this facility to students who are aspiring to study," she said.

She further said the bank has opened skill development centre at Zirakpur in Mohali which is dedicated to young women for training them in various jobs, including office administration.

"It is commitment of daughter-in-law of the state towards daughters of the state," she noted.

Kochhar further said that the bank also plans to offer two new products -- Tatkal Shishu and Tatkal Kisan Credit Card -- through the state government's Sewa Kendras.

"We will leverage technology to collaborate with the government in its e-governance initiatives. Further, we plan to expand our skill development initiatives for the under privileged youth through ICICI Academy for Skills by setting up a 30,000 sq ft skilling centre.

"Additionally, we are also committed to support the state government for setting up 25 skill development centres across the state," she added.